South Shetland Islands, Antarctica and Crossing the Circle
11 Days - Ocean Albatros
On this 11-day inspiring cruise, you will explore the Great White Continent's magnificent landscapes, glacial mountains, and incredible wildlife before reaching 66°33′ – the Antarctic Circle.
from USD $10290 $9233pp
Home » 11 Day Ocean Albatros: South Shetland Islands, Antarctica and Crossing the Circle
Itinerary Highlights
- Spot Antarctic wildlife including sea birds, albatross, and several species of whales as you cross the Drake Passage
- Weave through the South Shetland Islands, full of ice-covered islands and dormant volcanoes
- Opportunities to see whales, sea lions, elephant seals and an unbelievable amount of sea birds and penguins
- Cross the Antarctic Circle where the sun is up for 24-hours a day during the austral summer
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia and Embark
- Day 2-3: Cross the Drake Passage
- Day 4-5: South Shetland Islands
- Day 6-8: Antarctic Peninsula
- Day 9-10: Depart Antarctica and Cross the Drake Passage
- Day 11: Arrive in Ushuaia and Disembark

Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia and Embark
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires. In the afternoon, we board our ship.
Our journey begins as we navigate through the calms of Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.
Day 2-3: At Sea, Cross the Drake Passage
In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view with our first sight of seals, penguins, and albatrosses. As well as the first icebergs as we approach the South Shetland chain of islands.
We will offer you a smoother sailing across the Drake passage than conventional expedition vessels – and with a far less carbon emission.
Day 4-5: South Shetland Islands
Over the next two days, we will explore to the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain.
Projected landfalls could include: King George Island; Deception Island, an extinct volcano; Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins.
The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.
Day 6-8: Antarctic Peninsula
As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on our horizon, the presence of wildlife multiples by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals.
Wildlife abounds on the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur and Weddell seals of Cuverville Island; humpback whales of Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay; the dramatic Lemaire Channel's orcas. Explore as far south as possible towards the Antarctic Circle at c. 66 deg 33 minutes south of the Equator. Possible landfall in this wild and seldom visited area could be Pleneau and Petermann Islands, Crystal Sound and Detaille Island. We will also visit research stations if ice conditions allow us.
The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather, swell and ice. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.
Day 9-10: Depart Antarctica, Cross the Drake Passage
Today, we depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on our way back to the calms of Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En-route, we will cross Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern tip of South America.
During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board, and it provides the perfect opportunity to socialize with fellow travellers.
Day 11: Arrive in Ushuaia & Disembark
This morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia where our tour ends.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
10 Jan 2024 - 20 Jan 2024 | USD $9233pp | Save 30% | |
Triple Porthole Cabin (F) | USD $10290pp | Contact us | |
Albatros Stateroom Cabin (D) | USD $12990pp | Contact us | |
French Balcony Suite (E) | USD $9233pp | Save 30% | |
Balcony Stateroom Cabin (C) | USD $10283pp | Save 30% | |
Single Porthole Cabin (G) | USD $11263pp | Save 30% | |
Balcony Suite (B) | USD $11613pp | Save 30% | |
Junior Suite (A) | USD $15673pp | Save 30% | |
Premium Freydis Suite | USD $17703pp | Save 30% |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Single Porthole Cabin (G)
14 m2
Standard single Stateroom onboard, located on deck 3. This is a conveniently located State Room close to the Mudroom which facilitates access to the Zodiacs during embarkation and disembarkation to begin your adventures.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Triple Porthole Cabin (F)
22 m2
There are two Triple Staterooms on board Ocean Albatros featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
Triple staterooms are normally with twin beds however a double bed can be accommodated.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included
French Balcony Suite (E)
14 m2
The French Balcony Stateroom is a standard Stateroom with a French balcony, a double bed, floor-to-ceiling windows and a bathroom. All French Balcony Staterooms are located on Deck 7.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Albatros Stateroom Cabin (D)
13-22 m2
The standard Stateroom on Ocean Albatros is close to the Mudroom and has quick access to the Zodiac platforms for disembarkation during landings. This is very convenient if you have more limited mobility and would like a short distance to the Zodiacs. The State Rooms are perfect for those who wish a comfortable base during their stay onboard Ocean Albatros. The standard State Rooms all have a double bed or 2 single beds and a bathroom. The State Rooms are located on deck 3 and 4.
Please note the cabin layout and size may vary.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Balcony Stateroom Cabin (C)
18-22 m2
The most abundant type of Stateroom on Ocean Albatros is located on decks 4 & 6. They have a balcony, a double bed or two single beds, a bathroom.
Several of the Balcony Staterooms also include a seating area complete with a table and chair. Additionally, a select few of the Balcony Staterooms are equipped with a sofa that can serve as a bed for a third occupant.
If you prefer to book two staterooms with connecting doors, this is possible under this category upon request.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Balcony Suite (B)
25-32 m2
Ocean Albatros has 6 Balcony Suites on board located on decks 4 & 6. The suites feature double or twin beds and a seating area, bathroom, and a large balcony. The balcony suites can host 2 people.
Two of the Category B Balcony Suites are larger in size and are equipped with HCP facilities, such as larger bathrooms and easy-access doorways.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Junior Suite (A)
39 m2
The 4 junior suites aboard Ocean Albatros have a great view from their location high up on the ship on deck 7.
The suites feature a double bed or twin beds, sofa bed, seating area, a spacious bathroom and a private balcony. The suite can accommodate up to 3 people.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Premium Freydis Suite
45 m2
The second largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Albatros is the Premium Suite. This 2-bedroom suite features a double bed (or twin beds), a sofa bed, table and chair, a balcony and a spacious bathroom. Located on deck.4.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Family Brynhilde Suite
50 m2
The largest of all the staterooms on board the Ocean Albatros is the Family Suite. The Double-Bedroom, Family Suite is located on Deck 7, featuring two interconnecting French Balcony Suites, accommodating up to 5 people on two double beds and a sofa bed.
All stateroom types contain a safety box, television, refrigerator, several 230 W power and USB outlets—additionally, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries (body wash, lotion, shampoo) and a hairdryer are also included.
Ocean Albatros Deckplan

Specifications
- Year Built: 2020
- Passengers: 189
- Crew: 100
- Length: 104.4m
- Breadth: 18.4m
- Draft: 5.1m
Whats included?
- 11-days/10 nights cruise with accommodation in a stateroom with private facilities
- All Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
- Expedition parka
- Rubber boot rentals
- Guiding and lectures by our expedition leader and team
- Special Photo Workshop
- English-speaking expedition team
- Visual Journal link after voyage including voyage log, gallery, maps, species list and more!
- Full board on the ship - breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon snacks
- Free tea and coffee 24 hours daily
- Welcome and farewell cocktails
- Port and authority fees and taxes
What’s not included?
- International and domestic flights
- Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Single room supplement and cabin upgrades
- Meals not on board the ship
- Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
- Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)
- Personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned under ’Inclusions’
Notes
Optional activities:
- Kayaking: Can be pushed through if the weather is favorable.
- Snowshoeing: Only available in November – December trips (If weather allows).
- Camping: Only available in October until middle of January 2024 (If weather allows).